Abstract : The molecule FN3, known as fluorine azide is a stabilized complex of excited singlet NF and N2, similar to other theoretically predicted molecules which are of interest as high impulse rocket propellants. Since little is known about the decomposition of these materials in condensed phases we have begun a study of the laser initiated detonation of thin films of FN3. It is hoped that analysis of the resulting emissions will yield a better understanding of the mechanisms which control release of the stored electronic/chemical energy. This report covers the first of three years work which includes development of an FN3 source and an apparatus to form and detonate FN3 films and collect emission spectra with microsecs temporal resolution. Data collected to date has shown that detonation of FN3 results in chemiluminescence at visible and near ultraviolet wavelengths. The emissions appear to be diatomic in origin and are most intense in the 350-500 nm wavelength range, but do not correspond to any of the known band systems of N2 or NF. These new spectroscopic features may result from energy pooling reactions between metastable NF intermediates, produced by the explosive decomposition of the FN3 molecules. Keywords: Fluorine azide, Nitrogen fluoride, Chemically bound excited states, Diatomic molecules, Detonation, Decomposition, Dissociation reactions.